playful

adjective

play·​ful ˈplā-fəl 

1

: full of play : frolicsome, sportive

a playful kitten

2

: humorous, jocular

playfully

ˈplā-fə-lē 

adverb

playfulness noun

Synonyms of playful

• amusing
• mischievous
• entertaining
• lively
• merry
• goofy
• frisky
• energetic
• sportive
• frolicsome
• antic
• happy
• delightful
• rollicking

Examples of playful in a Sentence

She's an old dog, but she's still very playful.

He had a playful expression on his face.

a playful tone of voice

You're certainly in a playful mood!

She gave him a light playful slap on the knee.

Recent Examples on the Web

Post Malone and Morgan Wallen trade blame over bright guitars and driving percussion, giving the song a playful tension that keeps it moving. — Brittney Williams, Billboard, 23 Sep. 2026

The dress straddled the line between classic LBD styling and playful plumage. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026

The mood on set was so special and always positive and playful. — ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026

The superyacht, the eighth hull in Moonen’s 122 Martinique series, will debut at the Monaco Yacht Show later this week, but Vripack has revealed the playful living quarters ahead of the event. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 23 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

playful

adjective

play·​ful ˈplā-fəl 

1

: full of play : fond of playing

a playful kitten

2

: humorous

a playful tone of voice

playfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

playfulness noun